Mystery shopping is one of those extra ways to make money that sounds almost too good to be true—you get paid to shop, dine out, and evaluate businesses. But, is it as easy and lucrative as it sounds? And can it really make a difference in boosting your income, especially for everyday expenses like gas and groceries?
In this in-depth review, we’ll take a closer look at mystery shopping, highlighting three reputable companies: Market Force, BestMark, and Sinclair Customer Metrics. We’ll break down how each service works, what you can expect to earn, and whether assignments cover essential purchases like groceries or gas. If you’re looking for honest information on what to expect, how much money you can realistically make, and the steps to get started, you’ve come to the right place.
What is Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping involves acting as a “secret shopper” to evaluate the customer service, product quality, or cleanliness of a business. Companies hire mystery shoppers to visit their stores, make purchases, and report back on the experience. Mystery shoppers provide detailed feedback, which helps companies improve their service and operations.
This job can seem appealing because it offers flexibility—you choose when and where to shop—but it’s important to be realistic about what you can earn and how the process works.
How Does Mystery Shopping Work?
- Signing Up:
The first step is to sign up with a mystery shopping company. Once registered, you’ll typically complete a profile detailing your interests and demographic information. This helps companies match you with assignments that suit your lifestyle. - Getting Assignments:
Once you’ve signed up, you can start applying for shopping assignments or receive invitations via email. Assignments can vary—some may involve purchasing a product, others might require you to ask specific questions or test the service. - Completing the Shop:
You’ll need to follow the assignment instructions exactly. For example, if you’re asked to evaluate customer service at a grocery store, you might need to check how employees greet customers, observe cleanliness, and note how quickly you are served. - Submitting Reports:
After completing the shop, you’ll submit a detailed report about your experience. Reports typically ask for feedback on specific aspects, such as the friendliness of the staff or the appearance of the store. - Getting Paid:
Payments vary depending on the assignment, but many mystery shopping jobs pay a flat fee, and some reimburse you for any required purchases.
Top Mystery Shopping Companies: What to Expect
Let’s dive into three of the most popular mystery shopping companies: Market Force, BestMark, and Sinclair Customer Metrics. Each has its own process and types of assignments, so we’ll look at how they differ and what you can realistically expect in terms of pay.
1. Market Force
Overview:
Market Force is one of the largest mystery shopping companies in the U.S. They offer a wide range of assignments across various industries, including grocery stores, gas stations, retail shops, and restaurants.
How to Sign Up:
Signing up is easy. You can create an account on their website and fill out your profile to start receiving assignments. They offer a mobile app, which makes it convenient to browse and apply for jobs.
Types of Assignments:
- Grocery stores (evaluating cleanliness, service, and product placement).
- Gas stations (checking fuel pumps, convenience store cleanliness, etc.).
- Fast food and casual dining (evaluating service speed, food quality).
Earnings:
Market Force pays $5 to $10 per assignment on average. For more complex assignments, such as dine-in restaurants or hotel stays, pay may range from $25 to $50, depending on the location and requirements.
Reimbursement for Purchases:
Market Force often reimburses for small purchases, especially for grocery and gas station assignments. For example, if you’re required to buy a snack at a gas station, they’ll reimburse the cost on top of your payment.
Pros:
- Wide range of assignments.
- Covers everyday expenses like gas and groceries.
- Easy-to-use mobile app.
Cons:
- Pay is on the lower end for many assignments.
- Requires detailed reports, which can take time.
Realistic Monthly Earnings:
With Market Force, you could realistically make $50 to $150 per month if you take on 5-10 assignments. Since many assignments only pay a small fee, it’s best to think of mystery shopping as a way to earn some extra spending money rather than a full-time income.
2. BestMark
Overview:
BestMark is another well-known company that has been in the mystery shopping industry for decades. They offer a range of assignments, including car dealerships, banks, retail stores, and restaurants.
How to Sign Up:
Sign-up is free and straightforward through the BestMark website. After filling out your profile, you can browse available assignments in your area.
Types of Assignments:
- Retail shops (evaluating customer service and product knowledge).
- Car dealerships (test-driving vehicles and evaluating salespeople).
- Restaurants (dining and evaluating the experience).
Earnings:
BestMark assignments typically pay between $10 and $20 per shop. Some higher-paying assignments, such as car dealership visits, can offer $50 to $100, especially if they require a lot of detail.
Reimbursement for Purchases:
BestMark often reimburses for dining assignments but not always for retail purchases. Be sure to check the details of each assignment before accepting.
Pros:
- Higher-paying assignments available.
- Variety of industries and businesses.
Cons:
- Some assignments require lengthy reports.
- Fewer grocery or gas-related assignments compared to other companies.
Realistic Monthly Earnings:
If you take on 4 to 8 assignments per month, you could expect to earn $50 to $200 depending on the types of jobs you accept. Car dealership and restaurant assignments tend to pay more, but you may need to spend more time completing them.
3. Sinclair Customer Metrics
Overview:
Sinclair Customer Metrics focuses on a wide range of industries, including grocery stores, banks, retail shops, and restaurants. They are known for offering smaller but frequent assignments, making them a good choice if you want consistent work.
How to Sign Up:
The sign-up process is simple, and you can create an account directly on their website. After signing up, you can view available assignments and apply.
Types of Assignments:
- Grocery stores (checking cleanliness, employee interactions, stock levels).
- Gas stations (evaluating service, fuel station cleanliness).
- Fast food and casual dining.
Earnings:
Sinclair’s assignments typically pay between $8 and $15. While the pay per shop is lower than some other companies, the jobs are usually shorter and less detailed.
Reimbursement for Purchases:
For grocery and gas station assignments, Sinclair will reimburse small purchases, such as buying a snack or a few gallons of gas.
Pros:
- Frequent assignments available.
- Simple, straightforward shops.
Cons:
- Lower pay per assignment.
- Fewer high-paying opportunities.
Realistic Monthly Earnings:
With Sinclair, you could realistically earn $50 to $100 per month if you complete 6 to 10 assignments. The pay per shop may be lower, but the frequent availability of assignments makes it easy to stay busy.
What to Expect: Pros and Cons of Mystery Shopping
While mystery shopping can be a fun way to earn some extra cash, it’s important to go into it with realistic expectations. Here are some pros and cons to consider before diving in:
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can choose when and where you shop, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
- Reimbursements: Many companies reimburse for required purchases, which can help cover everyday expenses like gas and groceries.
- Variety: You’ll get to try different assignments, from dining out to evaluating retail stores.
Cons:
- Lower Pay: Most assignments pay modestly, so don’t expect to make a full-time income.
- Report Writing: Assignments often require detailed reports, which can take time and effort.
- Inconsistent Work: Depending on where you live, the availability of assignments can be hit or miss.
How Much Can You Really Make as a Mystery Shopper?
The amount you can earn depends on how many assignments you’re willing to take and the types of shops you choose. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Casual Shoppers: If you take on 1 to 2 assignments per week, you could expect to earn $50 to $150 per month. This might cover small expenses like gas or groceries, but it’s not enough to significantly boost your income.
- Active Shoppers: If you’re willing to take on more assignments, such as 4 to 6 per week, you could earn $200 to $400 per month. This requires more time and effort, but it’s a reasonable way to earn extra money on the side.
Conclusion: Is Mystery Shopping Worth It?
Mystery shopping can be a fun way to earn a little extra money while doing everyday activities like shopping for groceries or dining out. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the payMystery shopping can be a fun side hustle to earn some extra money, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. By understanding the pros and cons, you can decide if it’s the right fit for you. Companies like Market Force, BestMark, and Sinclair Customer Metrics offer legitimate assignments, but the pay isn’t huge, especially for smaller, everyday tasks like grocery stores or gas stations. However, with flexibility and reimbursements, mystery shopping can help cover some monthly expenses. With consistency, you might expect to earn $50 to $400 per month depending on your effort and the type of assignments you choose.
If you’re looking for a realistic way to make extra money that fits into your existing routine, mystery shopping can be a great option. Just keep expectations in check—this is more about earning some extra spending cash rather than a full-time income.
